Alberta’s government aims to eliminate the restriction on oilsands development by collaborating with partners to construct pipelines to the northwest coast of British Columbia and Ontario, as stated by Lt.-Gov. Salma Lakhani during the throne speech. The speech highlighted the success in persuading the rest of Canada about the significance of selling Alberta’s natural resources and reiterated the commitment to doubling oil and gas production without specifying a timeline.
The government’s diplomatic approach in dealing with U.S. tariff threats was acknowledged as effective in the speech, emphasizing Alberta’s determination to secure its freedom and provincial rights. Emphasizing that Alberta’s sovereignty does not imply separation, the speech underscored the importance of reaching a “grand bargain” with the federal government to restore economic autonomy.
Following a Liberal victory in the federal election in April, there has been a resurgence of separatist sentiments among some Albertans, leading to a citizen petition that could potentially trigger a referendum on Alberta’s status within Canada. A pro-separatist group is currently advocating in court to have a pro-separation referendum question sanctioned by Elections Alberta.
Premier Danielle Smith introduced the government’s initial bill of the session, the International Agreements Act, emphasizing that international agreements signed by Ottawa will only be enforceable in Alberta if implemented under provincial legislation. The proposed bill would extend the scope of existing Alberta legislation on international trade and investment agreements to cover all international agreements within Alberta’s jurisdiction or shared national-provincial jurisdiction.
The government also plans to introduce a bill mandating about 51,000 teachers back to work, aiming to end a province-wide strike and lockout that has disrupted classes in public, Catholic, and francophone schools. The throne speech further revealed plans to enhance the value of the Heritage Fund and promote economic diversification to reduce Alberta’s reliance on oil and gas royalty revenues in the future.
Additionally, the speech highlighted Alberta’s ambition to become a leader in both energy and artificial intelligence industries. Premier Smith’s directive to increase provincial control over immigration and the forthcoming introduction of citizenship markers on Alberta driver’s licenses and identification cards were also emphasized in the speech. The government reiterated its commitments to various initiatives, including enhancing public services, police recruitment, healthcare reorganization, and school infrastructure development.
However, opposition leaders, such as Alberta NDP Leader Naheed Nenshi, criticized the throne speech for lacking substantial plans to address pressing issues affecting Albertans, such as healthcare and education. Independent MLA Pete Guthrie raised concerns that the government’s focus on political needs with initiatives like Bill 1 might not align with the province’s best interests.